Child Protection

Millions of children around the world are in danger of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence – at home, in school, in the community or during unforeseen emergencies. Save the Children keeps the most vulnerable children safe from harm.

Despite our sophisticated legal framework, South Africa is still marked by high levels of violence against, and exploitation of, children. Recorded levels do not accurately reflect the full extent of the problem because many cases go unreported. Violence has long-lasting consequences for children, with strong evidence of a link between childhood violence and adult mental health disorders and substance abuse.

During 2011/12:

50,688 children were victims of violent crime

793 children were murdered

12,645 children were victims of assault

25,862 children were victims of sexual offences

What is Save the Children South Africa doing?

We are ensuring that no child in South Africa experiences violence.

We are mobilising a movement to stop violence against children and letting their voices be heard.